Battery tray and paint?

Bought a repro battery tray, and from the drcription it is coated with EPDM, what the heck is that, does it need to be painted, or would powder coat be a good alternative. I can get powder coat done at work(they only use a limited amount of colors)for I think $10. I realize I would need to take it down to bare metal.
Thanks

EPDM is primer, so it definately should be painted or powdercoated. Powdercoating would hold up the best if properly prepped.
Dallas